Italian GP Review: BMW

Monza (IT). While Nick Heidfeld came seventh after starting 15th in the Italian Grand Prix, his team mate, Robert Kubica, retired after 15 laps due to a gear box oil leak. After a disappointing qualifying the BMW Sauber F1 Team scored two more championship points.

Kubica considers Renault future

• Polish driver wants to know new owner's intentions• Felipe Massa has neck pain in two-day test sessionRobert Kubica is considering his future at Renault after the manufacturer's decision to sell a significant stake in its Formula One team, the Polish driver's manager said today. Daniele Morelli told the BBC it was "not automatic" Kubica would stay although he hinted he was likely to, and sought more information about the team's plans. "We would like to know about Genii Capital and who is doing what in the team, a partner can be a sleeping partner or a controlling partner," said Morelli.Earlier, Renault said it planned to sell a significant stake to Genii, a Luxembourg-based specialist in brand management and motor sports, but would run the team jointly with its new partners. "The cards have changed in respect of when we signed and it's important Renault give us full information," said Morelli.Kubica raced for BMW-Sauber this year and signed with Renault after BMW withdrew. "We are not against the new position in principle but it is important to know who will run the team and what kind of strategies they will use," said the manager. "We need time, at least a few days, to evaluate the new situation so I am not in a position to say we will leave or stay."Kubica's contract is likely to contain an escape clause covering a change of team ownership, given that Renault's future was uncertain when he signed up. He is highly rated in the sport and is likely to be of interest to Mercedes, formerly champions Brawn, should the retired seven-times champion Michael Schumacher decide against a comeback at the age of 41.Mercedes have yet to name a replacement for the world champion, Jenson Button, who has joined McLaren, but reports have said they are close to a deal with Schumacher.There are few, if any, other vacancies that would interest the Pole. Only Sauber, Toro Rosso and the new US F1 and Campos Meta teams have yet to complete their line-ups and none would be able to match Kubica's Renault salary.Felipe Massa complained of a sore neck today after completing two days of tests in a 2007 Ferrari. The Brazilian has been out since suffering life-threatening head injuries in an accident at July's Hungarian grand prix. "I had a bit of neck pain, above all in the quick corners. But the rest went fine and there was no difference compared to before the accident," Massa said.RenaultFormula OneMotor sportguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

Alonso signs Ferrari deal

• Kimi Raikkonen set to return to McLaren• Robert Kubica in position to replace Alonso at RenaultFormula One's worst-kept secret has finally been confirmed, with Fernando Alonso joining Ferrari from next year.The double world champion has signed a three-year deal and will partner Felipe Massa at the team, with Giancarlo Fisichella taking up the role of test and reserve driver.Kimi Raikkonen, who has spent the past three years at Ferrari, is expected to return to McLaren, with BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica moving to Renault to fill the void created by Alonso's exit.It had long been speculated Alonso would sign for Ferrari, going as far back as the midway point of last year, with rumours gathering steam as this season progressed. Now the Spaniard will be hoping he has a genuine shot at becoming a three-time champion after winning his two titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006.Ferrari's team head Stefano Domenicali is delighted to have Alonso finally on board, but also paid tribute to Raikkonen. The Finn won the drivers' title in 2007, edging out Lewis Hamilton, as well as helping the team win the constructors' crown that year and again last season."We are very proud to welcome to our team another winning driver, who has demonstrated his amazing talent by winning two world championships in his career to date," said Domenicali. "Of course, we wish to thank Kimi for everything he has done during his time with Ferrari."In his first year with us he managed to win the drivers' title, thus making his contribution to Ferrari's history, and he played a vital role in our taking of the constructors' title in 2007 and 2008."Even during a difficult season like this one, he has demonstrated his great talent, with several good results, including a great win in Spa. We are sure we can share more good times together in the final three races of this season."FerrariMcLarenRenaultFormula OneMotor sportguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

Toyota chasing Kubica and Raikkonen for 2010

Robert Kubica has emerged as a leading candidate to switch to Toyota next year, and team president John Howett also admitted at Suzuka that he would happily sign Kimi Raikkonen...  

Toyota wants Kubica or Raikkonen

Oct.2 (GMM) Robert Kubica has emerged as a leading candidate to switch to Toyota next year, and team president John Howett also admitted at Suzuka that he would happily sign Kimi Raikkonen.

Renault and Toyota confirm Kubica ambitions

Renault and Toyota have confirmed their tussle to sign up Robert Kubica for next season...